Today, politicians proclaim their right to take the product of the labors from some so others might benefit. Incentives for the industrious, the productive — and the right to own property — diminish daily. Always, we are told that the government has this right to take from one and give to another.

Yet, if that same force were used by some individuals so that they might benefit at the expense of others, we would declare it a crime punishable by incarceration. Little has changed since Frederic Bastiat wrote his objections to socialism in the 19th century, and I quote: “Now, legal plunder can be committed in an infinite number of ways. Thus we have an infinite number of plans for organizing it: tariffs, protection, benefits, subsidies, encouragements, progressive taxation, public schools, guaranteed jobs, guaranteed profits, minimum wages, a right to relief, a right to the tools of labor, free credit, and so on, and so on.”

Since then, little has changed and our rights to our God-given liberties still demand eternal vigilance.

Richard Iffert, Eagan

If women were in charge

If women were in the majority in Congress, women and children would be supported through WIC, families would receive the $10,000 death benefit for a father warrior/hero, parks would be open for meaningful, low-cost vacations. If women were in charge, crucial federal workers who were required to maintain their regular weekly work schedules would be paid. I have a daughter and son-in-law in Los Angeles. Since both are federal employees, that means no income.

For years, Republican and Democratic women senators have met for regular dinners, talking issues through. In Minnesota I have campaigned for Republicans, Arne Carlson and Doug Ewald, though I am a DFL member. Also Nancy Brataas and Emily Anne Staples (Tuttle) when she was first elected as a senator. My focus has been throught he National Women’s Political Caucus, going back to its founding and support in the ’80s by Gloria Steinem, Barbra Streisand, Rep. Shirley Chisholm and Rep. Bella Abzug.

Really, if Hillary Clinton was still a senator, do you imagine she would have been silent?

We in Minnesota have two hard-working, responsible senators. They are not the problem. But we also have obstinate Congress people who do not support the needs of women, children, the elderly, those with urgent medical needs, etc. Next election, vote for women!

Elin Malmquist Skinner, St. Paul

Lack of leadership

On Oct. 6, there was a guest column by Arthur C. Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute, “Ducking a leader’s duty.”

The theme was “leadership,” but the gist of it was really the “lack” of leadership. Of course, it was about Obama.

The last paragraph asks this interesting question: “What is the likelihood Obama will step up at this crucial moment as a responsible chief executive?”

Well, I say “Yes.” Indeed, he has stepped up and is leading the Democrats and mainstream media in pushing his obviously anti-American and anti-middle class agenda. (I choose my words carefully).

His goal is not to get this country back to work, not to be fiscally responsible and most definitely not to negotiate with Republicans to work through this government shutdown.

Why has he refused, time after time, to sit down with Republicans and come to an agreement of this impasse that is crushing millions of Americans? If his “Obamacare” is the “law of the land,” how is it that selected groups (including government employees) have been exempted from that law? Why are national monuments, veterans monuments and any businesses not under government control shut down? Why are some laid-off employees going to get back pay after the shutdown and some not?

These are not unique questions. No doubt most of you seek answers to these and many other questions.

When I say that Obama is anti-American, I don’t say that flippantly. After four and a half years of Obama and seeing the damage he has done to this country, how can you say otherwise?

I am not a conspiracy advocate. Originally, I thought he was inept, totally unqualified and the world’s most accomplished liar. But, now, the damage seems purposeful. If he remains in office for a full second term, I shudder at the harm he will inflict on this once-great nation.

Jim Fregeau, Lindstrom

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